elfin

adjective

ˈel-fən How to pronounce elfin (audio)
Definition of elfinnext
as in charismatic
having an often mysterious or magical power to attract the heroine in the story has an elfin beauty that men find irresistible

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elfin Meanwhile, as Hjalmar’s 14-year-old daughter, Hedvig, the elfin Maaike Laanstra-Corn is delivering yet another wonderfully eccentric embodiment of a high-strung tween with a potentially perilous excess of imagination. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2025 Numerous species are commercially available, from the culinary classic common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) to colorful flowering groundcovers such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping thyme (Thymus praecox). — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2025 In a series of illustrated stories, Lung describes the Labubu as an elfin creature. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025 The look is elfin, but less shaggy than an elfish cut, often pulled off with a mod, micro-cut bang instead. — Essence, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elfin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elfin
  1. charismatic
  2. charming
  3. appealing
  4. attractive
  5. enchanting
  6. seductive
Adjective
  • Still, charismatic leaders who have pushed for dollarization have failed to date, suggesting that the patient may not want the money doctor’s medicine.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Written by Power and Daniel Sweren-Becker, Love Love follows a struggling tennis phenom who falls for a charismatic local ball boy at the US Open.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of charismatic
Adjective
  • Dykstra’s drawings are beautifully detailed, thoughtful, charming and evocative.
    — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As the plane descends, a lush landscape of verdant mountains that flow down into charming villages, beaches, and the crystal-clear waters beyond appears.
    — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of charming
Adjective
  • Among the 3,000 buildings the first licensed Black architect designed, from private residences to hotels, some of his most appealing—including one that formerly housed actor Denzel Washington’s family—can be found in Toluca Lake.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Another clear indication of a franchise running on fumes is that its most appealing element is now increasingly convoluted and tedious.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of appealing
Adjective
  • Using Stainless Polish On Your Fridge On the one hand, using stainless polish to clean a stainless steel fridge leaves a bright, attractive, reflective finish—but there’s a downside.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Shaped like a giant leaf, this attractive play mat comes with six hanging plush toys that can be detached when your baby is ready for tummy time games.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adjective
  • Leu Gardens invites visitors for an enchanting evening of fairy festivities in a whimsical celebration at Orlando’s 50-acre botanical oasis.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Mansion at Ocean Edge in Brewster, Massachusetts, is an enchanting spot for an autumn getaway.
    — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of enchanting
Adjective
  • His sculptures evince a lapidary certainty even in their weird, seductive lyricisms.
    — Ara H. Merjian, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Created by Kasdan, Sid & Zoey is about Sid, a seductive, sophisticated, and amoral teenager from New York, who is sent to live with a police chief and his family in the idyllic Mississippi town where his mother grew up.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of seductive

Browse Nearby Words

elf
elfin
elfish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elfin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elfin. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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